Feature fences and gateways - the safety features everyone notices last

FCANZ

Oct 6

4 min read

Health and safety might not seem like a natural fit for feature fences and gateways, but let s not sit on the fence about it they re some of the most effective safety controls on any property.

When people think about feature fences and gateways, they usually focus on appearance, craftsmanship, and the statement they make at the entrance to a property. A well-designed fence or gateway can enhance a farm, lifestyle block, or rural business, creating a strong first impression for visitors and customers alike.

However, there is another feature that deserves equal attention: what does it mean for health and safety?

A feature fence or gateway may be judged by its appearance, alignment, and finish, but its success should also be measured by how safely it was constructed and how effectively it protects, once installed.

The best feature fences and gateways do more than look good - they help protect people, livestock, vehicles, and property. In many cases, they are the first line of defence.

Safety begins at the gate

Every day, rural gateways manage a constant flow of farm vehicles, contractors, deliveries, stock trucks, and visitors. A poorly positioned or poorly maintained gateway can quickly become a hazard.

When designing or installing a gateway, consider:

Adequate visibility for vehicles entering and exiting.
Sufficient setback from public roads to allow vehicles to pull safely clear of traffic.
Ground conditions that provide stable footing for pedestrians and operators.
Space for machinery, trailers, and stock units to manoeuvre safely.
Easy-to-operate latching systems that reduce the need for awkward lifting, stretching, or excessive force.

A gateway that functions safely is often more valuable than one that simply looks impressive.

Fences that protect more than boundaries

Feature fencing is increasingly being used around homes, public spaces, schools, agricultural businesses, and equestrian facilities. While aesthetics remains important, installers should always consider the risks associated with the intended environment.

Questions to ask include:

Could children gain access to a hazardous area?

Does the fence prevent livestock from reaching roads or neighbouring properties?
Could a horse become entangled in the design?
Are there sharp edges, protrusions, or pinch points?
Will the fence remain structurally sound during adverse weather conditions?

Good design balances appearance with practical risk management.

Working safely during installation

Many fence and gateway incidents occur during construction rather than after completion. Common hazards include:

Excavations and post-hole augers.
Underground services.
Mobile plant and machinery.
Manual handling of heavy gates and posts.
Working near roads and traffic.
Exposure to dust, noise, and vibration.
Welding and grinding activities.

Before work begins, crews should complete site-specific hazard assessments, confirm the location of underground services, and ensure all plant operators are trained and competent.

Lifting equipment should be used wherever practicable for large feature gates, particularly those manufactured from steel or heavy timber.

The hidden cost of poor maintenance

Even the best feature gateway becomes a risk if it isn t maintained. Common maintenance issues include:

Sagging gates.
Damaged hinges and latches.
Rotting timber posts.
Corrosion of steel components.
Worn automation systems.
Vegetation obstructing visibility.

Regular inspections can identify problems before they result in injury, stock escapes, vehicle damage, or costly repairs.

Automation brings new safety considerations

Automatic gates are becoming increasingly popular across rural properties and commercial premises. While they improve convenience and security, they also introduce additional hazards. Owners should ensure:

Sensors and safety stops are functioning correctly.
Gates cannot unexpectedly close on people, vehicles, or animals.
Emergency shut-off procedures are understood.
Electrical components are regularly serviced by competent persons.

A modern automated gateway should enhance safety, not create additional risks.

Making safety a feature

The most successful fencing projects combine visual appeal, functionality, and risk management. Clients increasingly appreciate installations that not only enhance the appearance of their property but also improve security, livestock management, traffic control, and public safety.

A beautifully crafted fence may catch the eye, but the real measure of its success is often unseen - safe access, secure boundaries, and the confidence that people, animals, and assets are protected.

When it comes to feature fences and gateways, safety shouldn t be an afterthought. It should be one of the features worth showcasing.

Fencing work remains a high-risk activity

While fencing is often viewed as routine rural work, the injury data tells a different story. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing consistently record some of the highest rates of work-related injury claims in New Zealand. In 2024, these industries were among the highest for workplace injury incidence, with more than 209,000 work-related injury claims lodged nationwide.

For fencing contractors and farm workers, the risks are varied and often underestimated:

Strains and sprains from lifting posts, gates, and wire.
Lacerations from high-tensile wire and cutting tools.
Injuries from post drivers, augers, and tractors.
Slips, trips, and falls on uneven terrain.
Vehicle incidents while working near roads or operating farm machinery.

Many of these incidents are preventable through better planning, mechanical lifting aids, well-maintained equipment, and safe work procedures.

The industry's best projects demonstrate that safety and craftsmanship go hand in hand. After all, a fence that looks impressive from the road is even more valuable when it helps prevent injuries, controls risks, and keeps people and livestock safe for years to come.

As the fencing industry continues to showcase innovation, craftsmanship, and stunning feature entrances, it s worth remembering that safety is one feature every client values. A well-built fence or gateway doesn t just define a boundary it protects people, livestock, vehicles, and livelihoods. As one experienced contractor put it, The real quality of a fencing job is measured by the accidents that never happen because of it. That s a legacy worth building into every project.

Good fencing creates boundaries. Great fencing creates safety. Stay safe team.

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Published in WIRED issue 82/September 2026 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ